5 Dynamics Processors That Aren’t Compressors

Compression is one of the most frequently talked about dynamic processors. But there are many other dynamic processors that deserve attention, as they can be just as effective — if not more effective — than using a compressor.

1. Expanders

Expanders are the opposite of compressors. While a compressor reduces level of a signal above a set threshold, expanders reduce level of signals below a threshold.

Favorite uses: clearing excess room sound out of acoustic instruments; emphasizing the attack on drums, piano, and bass; sharpening synth stabs or pulse leads. Alternatively, super rounding out a drum sound by setting the threshold very very low and the attack time very slow (think about that a while).

2. Gates

Gates are basically extreme expanders. They cut all the sound below the threshold.

In my uses I tend to be looking at either EQ’ing the sidechain or keying the gate to a completely different source.

Favorite uses: creating stutter effects, tightening up drum and synth layers, emphasizing the tone of the attack on percussive elements, controlling reverb tails by keying the reverb to the dry signal.

3. Upward Expanders

An upward expander adds level to a signal that breaches a set threshold.

So rather than making quiet signals quieter like a normal expander, it makes loud signals louder.

Conclusion

Dynamic processors are ultimately shaping tools.

Thinking of your sound like a sentence that needs editing. Sometimes a sentence has way too many words and really could be paired down in order to make the meaning significantly more clear, less confusing, and fit the flow of the paragraph better. Sometimes sentences need more.

Figure out what your goals are then grab the best tool for the job.

—

Matthew Weiss takes the mystery out of compression in Mixing with Compression. He teaches you what it is, what it sounds like and how you can use compression to take your mixes to the next level. Check out the video below to learn more.

Missing our best stuff?

Sign up to be the first to learn about the latest articles, videos, courses, freebies, giveaways, exclusive discounts and more.

Awesome! Talk to you soon.

There was an error submitting your subscription. Please try again.

Enter Your Best Email Address

I'd like to receive the free email course. We'll never spam you. Unsubscribe at any time. Powered by ConvertKit